12 Things to Do in Bodega Bay

With the beach at your doorstep and food at your fingertips, there’s no shortage of things to do during your stay in Bodega Bay. Kayaking, exploring art studios, and strolling through the area’s natural beauty are just a few ways to spend a day in this spot. Here are a few of our favorites.

Chow Down

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Fish and chips, barbecued oysters, and local favorites dot the menu at this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem. Bring your own wine or beer if desired, order from the counter, and grab a spot on the covered patio, rain or shine. The Boat House may look a little weather-worn and rustic, but the sea-worthy theme that accompanies the fish and chips – a favorite – makes it all the more endearing.

Insider tip: After finishing your meal, sign up for a chartered fishing day trip right at the dock with the restaurant’s partners, Bodega Bay Sport Fishing.

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Not quite on the bay, this French-feeling cafe dishes up rich, satisfying, and filling plates of local seafood and handmade ravioli from the comfort-inspired menu. You’ll likely see the young couple running the joint in the kitchen and dining room, chatting up diners.

Insider tip: It’s small, and open only four days a week, so reservations are a must.

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Picnic tables, fresh crabs, and messy, delicious eating are all cornerstones of Spud Point Crab Company. Run by the Italian and sea-faring Anello family, the restaurant took home first prize for their chowder in the 2014 Bodega Bay Chowder Day competition. It likely has something to do with the family having their own fishing boats, moored just across the bay.

Insider tip: There is no inside dining, just tables outside, making it a bright choice for a sunny day.

Knock Back a Beer

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To get a sense of the surrounding towns, and to kill a little time, drive for a half-hour until you hit Santa Rosa, where you’ll find Russian River Brewing Co. Originally owned by Korbel Champagne Cellars, the current owner, Vinnie Cilurzo, started experimenting with beer in wine barrels while working at Korbel Champagne Cellars. Think of this joint as brewery-meets-winery–not too casual, but none of the sterility of some wineries, either.

Insider tip: There’s plenty of food at the brew pub, including an awesome thin-crust pizza.

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Named for the stumps left behind after a giant redwood forest was milled and cut, Stumptown sits in Guerneville, about 20 to 30 minutes from Bodega Bay, on the Russian River. Taps rotate, but there is always an assortment of Stumptown products and other local breweries’ beers.

Insider tip: The restaurant is cash only, so bring your money clip.

Sip a Glass of Wine

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As the only waterside wine bar and bottle shop on the Sonoma Coast, Gourmet au Bay doesn’t disappoint. There’s a relaxing waterfront deck to sip a flight (available in red or white), and although there isn’t a huge menu, the generous portions of local cheese are all that’s needed to enjoy the stunning waters.

Insider tip: Ask about the free corkage coupon to redeem at local restaurants.

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Vintner Joseph Phelps picked this spot six miles from the ocean as the perfect plot to set down his beloved Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines. There are 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay on the land today, available for your tasting pleasure in a small and large flight (not to mention full glasses of particular wines).

Insider tip: Try the Freestone Pinot–it’s a favorite among visitors.

Stroll Through an Art Gallery

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With plenty of fine art focusing on historic California, guests to the Bodega Bay Heritage Gallery can get a sense of the past Bodega Bay, as well as the artistry present in the work at this gallery. Run by husband and wife team Dan Rohlfing and Linda Sorensen, guests are free to browse through works by nearly a hundred artists.

Insider tip: The gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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Seascapes, landscapes, portraits, photography, and sculptures line the walls of this gallery, which features more than 50 artists rotating regularly. Works are available for purchase either on site or online—just ask owner Lorenzo for help.

Insider tip: There are paintings as well as pottery and jewelry for sale at the gallery, so don’t worry about leaving empty-handed.

Dip Your Feet in the Surf

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A picturesque horseback ride on the beach doesn’t just happen in the movies. Chanslor Stables offers guided trail rides along the Sonoma Coast, or—if you’re adventurous—atop the canyon hills. Rides on the beach go right through the dunes and last about an hour and a half.

Insider tip: Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden—the guides are more than happy to show you the ropes..

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Get an up-close glimpse of area wildlife from the seat of a kayak. No experience is necessary on these steady crafts; just rent a kayak and paddle from the Russian River to the estuaries of the inner and outer bay, and keep your fingers crossed–keep an eye to the skies, and pack a pair of binoculars to get glimpses of some splendid avian life. Guided tours are also available, which cover kayaking basics, information about local wildlife, and history of the area.

Insider tip: First-timers should opt for the Bay Tour, where seals, rays, and numerous bird species are on proud display in their natural habitats.

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Whether your interests dwell with hiking, fishing, camping, or picnicking, create your own adventure at Doran Regional Park. Located directly on the bay, the park opens at 7 a.m. and offers a 2-mile stretch of beach, a rocky inlet that’s a great spot for fishing (there’s a fish-cleaning station onsite) and areas to set down your chairs and snack.

Insider tip: For longer stays, reserve a campsite ahead of time, although it isn’t always necessary.

For lovers of the great outdoors, Bodega Bay offers an array of wildlife and sweeping views of the ocean. For the foodie, there are loads of seafood-focused restaurants in both casual and elegant veins. For those who just want to relax, a stroll into town provides shops, galleries, and chances to interact with the folks who call Bodega Bay home. There’s more than surfing in this part of the world, so check it out.